D-Day Beaches - Normandy

Very nice trip report. We were moved to tears when visiting the American Cemetary. We took the Battle Bus tour several years ago and really enjoyed it. When you return, try to visit the American Cemetry just outside of Luxemburg City where General Patton is buried. We were amazed at how meticulously the American Cemetaries are kept by the people of Europe.

One correction to something JB said -- the American Cemetaries in Europe are built, operated and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission, which is an agency of the federal government. They do a marvelous job. I've been to three of them so far, including the one in Normandy and the one outside of Luxembourg City that JB mentioned. They are special places for sure. Nice report, Al. I went to Normandy three years ago and loved it. I hope to return sometime.

When were were at the American Cemetaries, there were locals running the shops and maintaining the shrubs and grass. We had conversations with them Luxembourg and Normandy because we were curious and impressed. It was our understanding that the US provides the funds for maintenance.

We just returned from our trip to London, Paris, Italy and we also toured the dday beaches with Overlord tours, and spent one night in Bayeux. We did the half day tour and it was awesome. Bayeux and the dday tour was the higlight of our trip. Don't miss this part of France and the tour will give you a great history lesson!

I appreciate your post, Al! My husband always wanted to see Normandy Beach, so I surprised him last Christmas with plans for a France 2-wk vacation in June. We stayed in Caen and took the combined tour & Caen WWII Museum pass - both were excellent! As we walked up to the American Cemetary Memorial, a group was at the statue playing "taps"; it's even emotional just remembering it. My husband's most touching moment was when we were at Omaha Beach. (Didn't look as we expected.) We walked along the sand and as he turned, there looking up was the hill that our brave soldiers had faced. It really hit him. We loved our time in Paris, Avignon, etc. but our experience at Normandy Beach was similar to viewing a concentration camp. We need to remember.

Is Overlord the successor to Battlebus, does anyone know? My friend and I took an amazing tour with Battlebus a few years ago, and in my searches, I wasn't able to figure out for sure who from Battlebus had gone where (although if they were all at the level of our guide, they are all excellent, and it wouldn't matter too much which one you followed).

Al, Thank you so much for the great report! A trip here is high on our bucket list! Can't wait to make it there. I will put this tour company name on my list for the future - thanks again - happy traveling!

Nice report Al. I visited the area on 6 June 2010 with my then teenaged daughter. The museum at the American cemetery put the whole thing in perspective. My daughter was so moved that so many young men that were her age, at the time, were able to accomplish so much and sacrificed so much. The area should be a must-see for Americans visiting France.

Thank you so much for the review, Al. Can you, or anyone, tell me approximately what time the all-day tours around Normandy/D-Day beaches are done? Is there time after the end of the tour to catch a train to Paris and find lodging there that night? We are considering traveling to Bayeux from elsewhere, staying there one night and then doing the Normandy tour first thing in the morning. Would like to know if we would need to reserve a second night in the area, or if we can move on to Paris and save a bit of time.
Thanks!

hi, i was there last March and was on a private tour of the area and probably covered the same area as you. as you state, the US cemetary is a moving place. I was surprised at the unknown? soldiers memorial too. what was also a hair raising on the back of the neck experience was standing on Omaha beach at low tide. You feel really naked out there w/o any cover. happy trails and hope we dont ever forget what those solders did for us.

The highlight for me in Normandy was the 17 small British cemeteries dotting the French countryside (e.g. near Reyes). We accidently discovered these sites when picking up a map at the Rouen TI. Reading the personalized headstones surrounded by the bucolic farmland was such a powerfully poignant experience. There were also a couple of German graves located here.

Al is right on about the American Cemetery in Normandy. My husband and I were there last year and walked every row of the cemetery in awe of all the Americans (many of them 19 years old!) who gave their lives in their country's service. The museum has hours of videos, pictures and stories which made us both cry several times during our visit. The highlight of our day was seeing the French students playing "America the Beautiful" and other such songs and laying flower wreaths in the center of the courtyard to pay tribute to the brave Americans who helped liberate their country. It was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had and recommend taking the time to visit while in France.

@Kim (Paris), NO, Overlord Tours is not the successor to BattleBus (although some of the former BattleBus Guides may now be working there). The person that formerly operated BattleBus (Paul Woodage) is still offering tours at www.ddayhistorian.com (although slightly differently than previously). Another of the former BattleBus Guides (Dale Booth) has started his own firm, and is continuing to offer tours at www.daleboothnormandytours.com I've toured with both Paul and Dale, and they're both outstanding Guides! Check their respective websites for details on the tours they offer. Cheers!

We also took a full day tour with Overlord, and Oliver was our tour guide. He was great. It was late October, and only 4 people on the tour. 2 had signed up for Band of Brothers, 2 had signed up for the American tour. We got a hybrid of both tours that was just great. Do research on your family's experience before you go. If you know the units in which your relatives served, they will tailor the tour to highlight your relative's experiences. Incredible.

Since June 6, 2014 will be the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings and heads of state will be present for the ceremonies, security will be very tight. I would recommend to anyone planning to visit Normandy in 2014 to consider attending the Memorial Day ceremony at Colleville-su-mer on Sunday, May 25, 2014. It is very moving, the roads will be far less congested to/from the cemetery, and it is open to the public. In 2014 you can check the website for the Am Battle Monuments Commission to get the exact time, but it's usually in the morning.